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Difference between revisions of "Enhancer block"

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* '''Axe-Fx III''': 2 blocks
 
* '''Axe-Fx III''': 2 blocks
* '''FM3''': yes @@
+
* '''FM3''': 2 blocks
 
* '''Axe-Fx II''': 1 block
 
* '''Axe-Fx II''': 1 block
 
* '''FX8''': 1 block
 
* '''FX8''': 1 block
Line 11: Line 11:
 
=Channels or X/Y switching=
 
=Channels or X/Y switching=
  
* '''Axe-Fx III and FM3''': 2 channels
+
* '''Axe-Fx III''' and '''FM3''': 2 channels
 
* '''Axe-Fx II''': no
 
* '''Axe-Fx II''': no
 
* '''FX8''': no
 
* '''FX8''': no
 
* '''AX8''': no
 
* '''AX8''': no
  
=Types=
+
=Stereo Enhancer types=
  
'''Modern''' – Multiband techniques for a natural effect. Also, the effect is mono-compatible with no phasing problems when summing to mono. The effect both widens stereo signals and “stereoizes” mono signals. Low-cut and High-cut parameters allow control over the region of influence. It is NOT recommended to use the Enhancer if just using one side of a stereo output as phasing effects may be encountered.
+
'''Modern''' – uses multiband techniques for a natural effect. The effect is mono-compatible with no phasing problems when summing to mono. It both widens stereo signals and “stereoizes” mono signals. Low-cut and High-cut parameters allow control over the region of influence. It is NOT recommended to use the Enhancer if just using one side of a stereo output as phasing effects may be encountered.
  
 
<blockquote>"The algorithm is such that when Width is zero there is significant cancellation in the right channel that will cause a shift in the balance."</blockquote>
 
<blockquote>"The algorithm is such that when Width is zero there is significant cancellation in the right channel that will cause a shift in the balance."</blockquote>
  
'''Classic''' – Old Haas effect delay-based processing. The right channel is delayed by a very small amount to increase the apparent stereo separation between the left and right channels. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Precedence_effect Wikipedia: Haas effect]
+
'''Classic''' – uses old Haas-effect delay-based processing. The right channel is delayed by a very small amount to increase the apparent stereo separation between the left and right channels. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Precedence_effect Wikipedia: Haas effect]
  
 
<blockquote>"Classic enhancer mode is just a delay on one side (adjustable from 0 to 20 ms) plus pan & phase adjustment. The non-delayed side will tend to seem louder, just like if you used a delay block to get the same delay time." [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/video-haas-delay-and-how-to-use-it.113156/page-5#post-1422336 source]</blockquote>
 
<blockquote>"Classic enhancer mode is just a delay on one side (adjustable from 0 to 20 ms) plus pan & phase adjustment. The non-delayed side will tend to seem louder, just like if you used a delay block to get the same delay time." [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/video-haas-delay-and-how-to-use-it.113156/page-5#post-1422336 source]</blockquote>
  
'''Stereoizer''' – While the Classic and Modern types rely on micro-delays and inversions to create artificial stereo, the new Stereoizer uses multiple high-order filters to create a realistic stereo image.
+
'''Stereoizer''' – while the Classic and Modern types rely on micro-delays and inversions to create artificial stereo, the Stereoizer type uses multiple high-order filters to create a realistic stereo image.
  
=Mono or stereo input, stereo output=
+
[https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/understanding-the-enhancer-block.157833/ Discussion about the Enhancer types]
  
While a STEREO INPUT signal works best with the Enhancer, it can also "stereoize" a MONO INPUT signal.
+
<blockquote>(Matt from Fractal Audio) "The stereoizer rocks! Try this approach:
 +
# Set Width to 100%
 +
# Set Depth to 0%
 +
# Gradually increase Depth.
 +
# When you find a setting you think you like, set width to taste." [https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/fm3-firmware-1-02-beta-6.159772/post-1912677 source]</blockquote>
  
The Enhancer vends out STEREO OUTPUT. Don't use it if you only use one channel (left or right).
+
=Position of the Enhancer block on the grid=
  
=Phase cancellation=
+
The Enhancer block should always be placed at the end of the chain.
  
When summing a stereo signal to mono, the Enhancer in Classic mode can cause phase cancellation. The Modern Mode is mono-compatible to prevent this.
+
=Input and output signals=
  
<blockquote>"Never put the enhancer in parallel or you'll get phasing problems. That's why there is no bypass mode because it should always be in series." [https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/absence-of-bypass-mode-for-the-enhancer-block.95041/#post-1142168 source]</blockquote>
+
While a STEREO INPUT signal works best with the Enhancer, it can also "stereoize" a MONO INPUT signal.
  
<blockquote>"The Modern Enhancer will survive collapsing to mono but any enhancer should be used judiciously, especially for recordings." [https://forum.fractalaudio.com/posts/1224764/ source]</blockquote>
+
Using the Enhancer makes sense only with a STEREO OUTPUT signal. Don't use it if you only use one channel (left or right) of a stereo output signal.
  
Read this: [[Mono_and_stereo_I/O#Phase_cancellation_and_comb_filtering|Phase cancellation]]
+
[[Mono and stereo|More about mono and stereo signals]]
 
 
=Position of the Enhancer block on the grid=
 
 
 
The Enhancer block should always be placed at the end of the signal routing.
 
  
 
=Parameters=
 
=Parameters=
Line 54: Line 54:
 
! '''Parameter'''
 
! '''Parameter'''
 
! '''Axe-Fx III / FM3'''
 
! '''Axe-Fx III / FM3'''
! '''Axe-Fx II'''
 
! '''AX8, FX8'''
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Type
 
| Type
 
! yes
 
! yes
!
 
!
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Width
 
| Width
 
! yes
 
! yes
!
 
!
 
 
|-
 
|-
| Depth
+
| Depth  
 
! yes
 
! yes
!
 
!
 
 
|-
 
|-
| Modern Low Cut, High Cut
+
| Modern: Low Cut, High Cut
 
! yes
 
! yes
!
+
 
!
 
 
|-
 
|-
| Classic Phase Invert
+
| Classic: Phase Invert
 
! yes
 
! yes
!
 
!
 
 
|-
 
|-
| Classic Pan L, Pan R
+
| Classic: Pan L, Pan R
 
! yes
 
! yes
!
 
!
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=Tips and tricks=
 
=Tips and tricks=
  
==Widening the Panner==
+
==Prevent phase cancellation==
  
Make the Panner effect ([[Tremolo/Panner block]]) effect fuller and wider by adding the Enhancer.
+
When summing a stereo signal to mono, the Enhancer in Classic mode can cause phase cancellation. Use the Modern Mode instead which is mono-compatible to prevent this.
 +
 
 +
<blockquote>"Never put the enhancer in parallel or you'll get phasing problems. That's why there is no bypass mode because it should always be in series." [https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/absence-of-bypass-mode-for-the-enhancer-block.95041/#post-1142168 source]</blockquote>
 +
 
 +
<blockquote>"The Modern Enhancer will survive collapsing to mono but any enhancer should be used judiciously, especially for recordings." [https://forum.fractalaudio.com/posts/1224764/ source]</blockquote>
 +
 
 +
Read this: [[Mono_and_stereo#Phase_cancellation_and_comb_filtering|Phase cancellation]]
 +
 
 +
==Widen the Panner==
 +
 
 +
Make the Panner effect ([[Tremolo/Panner block]]) appear fuller and wider, by adding the Enhancer.
  
 
==Alternatives==
 
==Alternatives==
  
Use the Delay in the [[Cab block]] to improve stereo imaging. Or the Delay block itself:
+
Use Mic Distance or Micro Delay in the [[Cab block]] to improve stereo imaging. Or use the [[Delay block]] itself:
  
 
<blockquote>"Another way would be to use the Delay block. Set the Mix to 100%, dial in the desired amount of delay and set Balance to full right." [https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/30-ms-delay-but-nothing-else.75709/#post-924932 source]</blockquote>
 
<blockquote>"Another way would be to use the Delay block. Set the Mix to 100%, dial in the desired amount of delay and set Balance to full right." [https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/30-ms-delay-but-nothing-else.75709/#post-924932 source]</blockquote>
 +
 +
To replicate the Mimiq pedal from TC Electronics, use the [[Pitch block]] as explained in [https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/petrucci-rig-factory-preset-update-jpiic-and-mimiq.164040 this forum thread] and in the current Petrucci factory preset in the FM3.
  
 
=More information=
 
=More information=
  
* [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii-discussion/98707-enhancer-block-amazing-new-post.html Forum discussion]
 
* [[Mono and stereo I/O]]
 
 
* [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/video-haas-delay-and-how-to-use-it.113156/ Danny Danzi tutorial: HAAS delay and how to use it]
 
* [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/video-haas-delay-and-how-to-use-it.113156/ Danny Danzi tutorial: HAAS delay and how to use it]
 
* [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/double-tracking-effect-on-live-guitar.119376 Live double tracking]
 
* [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/double-tracking-effect-on-live-guitar.119376 Live double tracking]

Revision as of 13:07, 8 September 2020

Enhancer block.png

Available on which products

  • Axe-Fx III: 2 blocks
  • FM3: 2 blocks
  • Axe-Fx II: 1 block
  • FX8: 1 block
  • AX8: 1 block

Channels or X/Y switching

  • Axe-Fx III and FM3: 2 channels
  • Axe-Fx II: no
  • FX8: no
  • AX8: no

Stereo Enhancer types

Modern – uses multiband techniques for a natural effect. The effect is mono-compatible with no phasing problems when summing to mono. It both widens stereo signals and “stereoizes” mono signals. Low-cut and High-cut parameters allow control over the region of influence. It is NOT recommended to use the Enhancer if just using one side of a stereo output as phasing effects may be encountered.

"The algorithm is such that when Width is zero there is significant cancellation in the right channel that will cause a shift in the balance."

Classic – uses old Haas-effect delay-based processing. The right channel is delayed by a very small amount to increase the apparent stereo separation between the left and right channels. Wikipedia: Haas effect

"Classic enhancer mode is just a delay on one side (adjustable from 0 to 20 ms) plus pan & phase adjustment. The non-delayed side will tend to seem louder, just like if you used a delay block to get the same delay time." source

Stereoizer – while the Classic and Modern types rely on micro-delays and inversions to create artificial stereo, the Stereoizer type uses multiple high-order filters to create a realistic stereo image.

Discussion about the Enhancer types

(Matt from Fractal Audio) "The stereoizer rocks! Try this approach:

  1. Set Width to 100%
  2. Set Depth to 0%
  3. Gradually increase Depth.
  4. When you find a setting you think you like, set width to taste." source

Position of the Enhancer block on the grid

The Enhancer block should always be placed at the end of the chain.

Input and output signals

While a STEREO INPUT signal works best with the Enhancer, it can also "stereoize" a MONO INPUT signal.

Using the Enhancer makes sense only with a STEREO OUTPUT signal. Don't use it if you only use one channel (left or right) of a stereo output signal.

More about mono and stereo signals

Parameters

Parameter Axe-Fx III / FM3
Type yes
Width yes
Depth yes
Modern: Low Cut, High Cut yes
Classic: Phase Invert yes
Classic: Pan L, Pan R yes

Tips and tricks

Prevent phase cancellation

When summing a stereo signal to mono, the Enhancer in Classic mode can cause phase cancellation. Use the Modern Mode instead which is mono-compatible to prevent this.

"Never put the enhancer in parallel or you'll get phasing problems. That's why there is no bypass mode because it should always be in series." source

"The Modern Enhancer will survive collapsing to mono but any enhancer should be used judiciously, especially for recordings." source

Read this: Phase cancellation

Widen the Panner

Make the Panner effect (Tremolo/Panner block) appear fuller and wider, by adding the Enhancer.

Alternatives

Use Mic Distance or Micro Delay in the Cab block to improve stereo imaging. Or use the Delay block itself:

"Another way would be to use the Delay block. Set the Mix to 100%, dial in the desired amount of delay and set Balance to full right." source

To replicate the Mimiq pedal from TC Electronics, use the Pitch block as explained in this forum thread and in the current Petrucci factory preset in the FM3.

More information